“Ideally, we’re creating a new social norm of what is acceptable and not acceptable in our community,” said Caz Action coordinator Melissa Clarke.

The law includes several exceptions, including the consumption of alcohol by a minor as part of a religious ceremony or service. The law also would not apply to alcohol consumed “within the residence of the minor’s parent or guardian when that parent or guardian is present and has expressly permitted such consumption.”

“It’s not three guys having a beer in a basement,” Goodfriend said. “It’s 30 kids who ravage a house.”

A number of residents spoke at a public hearing on the issue this week, asking why existing laws could not be better enforced. Goodfriend said criminal offenses carry more consequences and require more proof.

“You virtually have to catch the party host handing an alcoholic drink to an underage kid to make it stick,” he said.

Others expressed concern that teenagers would take parties elsewhere to avoid the social host law in the village of Cazenovia.

A public hearing on the law will be held when the village board meets Jan. 4. Clarke will discuss the concept with town officials at a regular board meeting Monday. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m.